Category:Trans Australia Airlines HeliCab

Trans Australia Airlines HeliCab or TAA HeliCab was introduced by TAA-Trans Australia Airlines in 1956 with purchase of 3x Hiller UH-12C helicopters, as part of the program in support of commercial aviation development making the first commercial helicopter to begin operation in Australia. These helicopters started the expansion of helicopters within Australia and assisted in government exploration of the outback resources, for the people of Australia. One of the Hillers was introduced to the commercial side of the airline, providing a 'Heli-cab' service from Essendon Airport (Melbourne) to a helipad positioned in the heart of Melbourne City on the banks of the Yarra River. A second Hiller was dedicated to Antarctica for exploration and research, and served at the Mawson Antarctica base. A third Hiller was allocated to the Commonwealth Department of Mineral Research and used mainly in the Northern Territory, and North Western Australia for mineral surveying. The original 'Helicab' service was well patronized, but only carried two passengers and a pilot, and this was replaced in 1961 with a Bell 47J-2C Ranger , enabling 4 passengers to be carried. The Bell 47 became the next generation of Heli-cabs servicing the City of Melbourne from the Yarra Heliport to Essendon Airport.
Ultimately the development of the freeway system, a new Melbourne airport at Tullamarine in 1971, and operating costs, made this service redundant.
For the years that it operated, the TAA HeliCab proved to be moderately profitable and well patronized, providing a magnificent view of Melbourne and its historic buildings, parks, and transportation systems, and of Port Philip Bay.

This page contains all films, TV series, and video games that feature aircraft of Trans Australia Airlines HeliCab.

See also

• Trans Australia Airlines HeliCab at taamuseum.com